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This is a gorgeous little jumpsuit. It has no label so who made it is a mystery but it is fabulous regardless. This is truly a piece that needs an actual body in it to come to life and my dress form is not doing it full justice. I love the colour combination with its shades of bright tropical blues mixed with a soft orange and then pops of black and white. The fabric is a crepe jersey that has a bit of a texture to it and holds the colour extremely well. It is as bright and crisp as the day it came off the rack. It has no sleeves and the bodice is meant to skim over you. The waist is loose and easy so it is very comfortable to wear and move in. The pants are very full and flare out in a gentle swoop of fabric as they fall to the floor. Each is a full 34" around at the bottom hem. At first glance it looks like a full length dress but as soon as you move you realize it is a jumpsuit. I love the addition of the gold cording that has a series of gold metal 'coins' dangling from it. These have been added around the collar and each arm opening. More of it circles the entire waist and because they are set so that they hang from the gold cording they make a pretty sound when you move. It is fantastic and even better in person. Excellent condition.
Unlined and closes with a back painted metal zipper. Each leg is a full 34" around the bottom hem. Hand finished throughout with ribbon edge finishes at the inner hem. There is a good 2.5" turned up under the hem of each leg if you meed more length. It looks to have been worn very little if at all.
Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam with a B-C cup in room at the front
Waist: 15" when measured flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 18" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 13.5" from the neck to the waist seam
Pant length: 47" from waist to bottom hem
Inseam: 31"
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# D637
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
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This dress was designed by Belgian-born Jules-Francois Crahay, who headed the Lanvin ateliers from 1964-1984. He has been noted as one of fashion’s 'great colorists with his colorful patterns making his 1970s Lanvin designs hugely desirable and influential.' His time at the Lanvin label is one of my personal favourites for the house. I especially love the his work during the period through the late sixties and into the early 1970s. He was a genius at print and colour and he pushed the envelope in terms of using cutting edge fabrics available during this time period. This dress dates to the period between 1972 and 1975 and it is just exceptional. He really did mix colour and print like no other and I think this is a stunning example of his work. I love when I find great examples of this label from this time period.
This Lanvin dress is gorgeous. I am in absolute love with it. The dress has a very unusual but gorgeous colour and print combination. The wool challis fabric it is made of is light in weight and holds colour exceptionally well. The colors are still crisp, bright and true. The dress has little cap sleeves and the neckline plunges into a V at the front and crosses over itself. The main print on the bodice is of florals and then that is edged with a striped pattern at the back and front. It zips down the back and I think it's amazing how the pattern at the back has been set so that it doesn't break in an awkward kind of way. The waist is cut with a loose and easy cut and on each side of the waist are attached ties that you can use to cinch it in a bit. Since they are attached at the sides you can tie them at the front as I have or at the back. The ties are printed with the floral print on one side and the stripes on the other. From under the waist the skirt falls to the floor and it widens as it nears the hem. A wide panel of the floral print runs down the center and around the hem. The rest of the skirt is a white dot on a soft brown backdrop. This is all achieved by the print having been screened onto the fabric and not pieced together. Which means that it was all pre-planned and figured out and that each dress made would have had to have been cut out specifically so that the design sits right over the dress. Incredible. The pattern that runs over the entire dress is spectacular and it is an instantly recognizable piece of his work. Rarely do you see someone able to mix stripes, floral and dots all on one piece and have it somehow work and be as beautiful as this piece is. Excellent condition
Unlined and closes with a back painted metal zipper. Attached ties at the waist as described above. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.
Sleeves: 11" around the ends and 9" long
Shoulder: 15"
Bust: 18-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 15" from neck to waist
Skirt: 42.5" from waist to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD3962
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
alexander mcqueen
Spectacular Pre-Fall 2016 Alexander McQueen by Sarah Burton Black Nude Lace Dress
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This spectacular Alexander McQueen dress is from the Pre-fall 2016 collection. The presentation version was far more elaborate but I think I prefer this one. It allows you to really see the pattern on the lace and I think can be worn to more functions with its simpler more versatile feel. Vogue's Sarah Mower said in part of this collection; 'There’s a sensuous glamour emerging through Pre-Fall which seems to be hovering somewhere around the ’30s or ’40s. Sarah Burton has pinned it to a theme she called “thinking about a woman’s obsession with the possessions she treasures, like her jewelry and makeup, and the things she collects.” This Pre-Fall character is a properly elegant woman, with red lipstick and a penchant for feather chubbies and velvet ankle-strap platforms, who might reach into her extensive wardrobe and choose between any number of fragile, dramatic gowns for an evening out.' and the lace butterfly dresses were mentioned specifically; 'Well, it’s a delight when fashion can make you fantasize for a moment. Yet the fact is that Sarah Burton has steered this collection gently away from too much stylization. “It's quite feminine, and unconstructed,” is the way she puts it. The patterns of lipsticks, Fabergé eggs, butterflies, birds, and the McQueen skull motif appear as prints on silk dresses and on coats, as well as on the show-stopping embroidered sheer gowns.'
The dress is almost startling in its beauty. It is made from an inner taupey nude silk that acts as the backdrop for the black net lace that sits over it. This allows you to fully appreciate the pattern that is worked through the lace. From a distance it acts as an illusion that you are bare under the lace. The lace itself has large butterflies worked through it that are beautiful. Every line of the dress is perfection. It falls from the shoulder to follow the curve of your body. Seams worked through the dress create the shape that you see but they have taken great care to line up the pattern of the lace along each seam so that your eye is not broken and the pattern remains true as it trails across the dress. From the waist is falls in one long sheath to the floor widening out gently as it reaches the hem. At the back it has a large curved cut out that leaves you entire back bare and exposed. So when you walk away it has a very sensual and sexy feel. The sleeves are the final touch and they are fantastic. Each is unlined so that you see bare skin through the lace. They are cut high and peaked at the top of the shoulder with a little bit of tulle at the inner edge to hold their shape. It is spectacular and a wonderful example of Sarah's earlier work. It is a wonderful dress now and will be a collectible in the future. Excellent condition
Fully lined in silk as described above and closes with a low set hidden zipper at the back. Three button and loops behind the neck. Each cuff zippers to close. Tagged a modern McQueen 42.
Sleeves: 25"
Inset shoulders: 13" with natural shoulders approx 15"
Bust: to 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 58" from neck to hem
Neck: 14" around
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD3964
Reference Photo: Pre-Fall 2016 Alexander McQueen Collection, Look 33.
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
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Mollie Parnis is one of my favorite American designers. She was known for having dressed numerous first ladies and her dresses regularly appeared in Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and Vanity Fair. She started a label with her husband in 1933 called Parnis Livingston Inc. and she quickly became know for her quality, fit and use of very good fabrics. She had a particular talent in dressing woman of every age and designed pieces that suited her older clients in a time when this was not a focus. Her husband died in 1962 forcing the label to shutter but she re-grouped and re-opened three months later under her own Mollie Parnis label.
This dress is lovely and has a classic one shoulder cut. It is made out of a soft fluid velvet in tones of silver, gold and copper. The colours are arranged over the velvet in a bit of an abstract geometric print that is set on an angle to follow the line created by the angle of the single shoulder. In person it has a far more silver feel to it and it is fantastic. The photos are not doing the metallic color full justice at all. The entire dress is suspended by that one single shoulder. It hooks to close into place at the top of the shoulder and then has an attached tie to add extra detail. The other shoulder is left completely bare. The dress is cut on the bias so that it skims over the body without being too tight or fitted and yet it still shows off your curves. The skirt falls to the floor and it is cut supermodel long. At the back there is a long open keyhole that is cut on an angle. This gives you this unexpected flash of skin there when you move. It dips down to an off-set zipper and there is a second attached tie at the top of the zipper to mimic the one at the shoulder. The weight of that tie also serves to give it a touch of shape through the waist. It is simple, chic and sexy but the metallic velvet gives it an amazing impact. Excellent condition
Fully lined in a black chiffon to just past the knee and closes with an off-set zipper at the back. The two ties are just tacked into place so could be removed if you wished. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. The bias cut should allow it to work for a range of sizes.
Bust: 18-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 62" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG
Item# DD3963
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
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Ruben Panis was known for his flair for drama. He started off his career designing costumes for showgirls in Las Vegas and eventually honed his skills by working for both James Galanos and Norman Norell. His gowns were worn by many Hollywood icons like Elizabeth Taylor, Zsa Zsa Gabor. At the height of his career he was charging up to $5000 for a dress which at the time was an exorbitant amount. This is an excellent example of his work and it is just gorgeous.
The dress is made out of a beautiful silk jersey that is the perfect shade of a clear, bright red. The way it is cut is very forties in feel with a bit of that old Hollywood charm. The bust is gathered in soft horizontal drapes that run from the top of the bodice to the top of the hip. Inside it is lightly boned. This gives it structure as well as creating a beautiful curving line that accentuates the body underneath. Running up and around the neck is a tiny strap made of the same jersey. This strap hooks into place at one side and you have the option of tucking it in and wearing the dress as a strapless piece. It is not a huge change but it is nice to have the option of either. The skirt falls to the floor under that and the jersey gives it lots of swing and movement. On each side of the dress is this fantastic and with elaborate beadwork design. The beads have been hand applied and form a large abstract flower that splays across each side of you. In the center of each flower is a small dangle of beads that move when you move. The petals are long and curved around you. I love that from the front you just get a hint of the beadwork so when you turn it's this stunning and magical surprise. Excellent condition.
The bodice is lined in a red silky rayon and the skirt has an inner lining made of the same jersey fabric. It closes with a back, painted metal zipper and the strap hooks at one end. Light boning through the bodice and hand finishes.
Bust: 16.5-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: approx 15" from top of neck to natural waist, 20" to bottom of the draping
Skirt: approx 42" from natural waist
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD3304
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
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This dress was shown in the xx collection in a solid blue and then made in a couple of patterns. This dress in its metallic red rose print was one. The Attico brand was founded by Gilda Ambrosio and Giorgia Tordini and the line has a vintage vibe to it that I love. This dress has never been worn and still has its original hang tag attached.
The dress is brand new and unworn. It is made out of gorgeous fabric that has a red metallic rose print with green leafs running over its surface. The print is fabulous and completely covers every inch of the dress. The fabric is light in weight and adds to its ultra sexy feel. It is easy to wear too. It simply wraps and ties to one side of the inner side seam and then it snaps into place under the half bow of fabric at the waist on the other side. The front plunges down into a low V at the neck and the bodice is cut on a on a flattering curve. It is set wide across the shoulders and the sleeves pouf out around the upper arm and then taper into the wrists. The ties and snap cinch it in at the waist and then it curves around the hips. It is cut micro mini short. It is brand new and unworn. Excellent condition
Unlined and ties to close at the inner side and then the bow snaps into place. Tagged a size 38. Unworn and pristine. The wrap does give it a bit of play for sizing
Sleeves: 23"
Slightly inset shoulders: 13"
Bust: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam and adjustable more
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam and adjustable more
Length: 31" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-SML
Item# DD3956
Reference photo: Spring 2019 Look 11, Attico
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
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Antony Price launched his label in 1979 and quickly became known as one of the more glamorous designer of the eighties. His work tended to have a mix of femininity and toughness that showed off the body and often had dramatic over-the-top finishing touches. Supermodel Jerry Hall was a muse and the rock and roll crowd adored him. You can see that mix of tough and feminine in this fabulous little dress with its elaborate gathers and its fitted one shoulder silhouette.
The dress is made out of a black taffeta and all of the gathers have been set by hand. The dress and its gathers have been molded around the body on a curving angle that are set to slope down on the same line as the shoulder. The fabric and the way that it has been gathered gives the dress a slight bias cut to it so that it moves easily over the body once on. It is a dress that is meant to curve and wrap around your body like a second skin. It is very sexy. The waist curves in and the skirt is cut slim and fitted. What is fascinating about this dress is that the zipper closure is set the follow the curves of the gathers. Instead of a normal vertical zipper at the side or back, he has set his zipper to wrap around the body so there is no line to break the design. This not only completely hides the zipper perfectly but might also have been done so the girl wearing it could have the option to leave the zipper open a bit to show a little skin if she wished. This is a dress that needs an actual body in it to make it truly come to life. It is amazing. Excellent condition.
Fully lined in a black silky rayon and closes with a curving set zipper as described above and shown in the photo. Appears unworn. Tagged a size medium on the handwritten tag but cut small
Bust: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 40" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD2758
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
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Vicky Tiel was backed by Elizabeth Taylor as a young designer after working on the costumes for 'Whats New Pussycat'. After a stint with a partner she launched her self named label in Paris in 1970. She as one of the very early boutique owner/designer that offered a ready-to-wear option in Paris. That said, her clothes often walk a fine line between ready-to-wear and couture in terms of their construction and techniques used. By the mid to late seventies her style had developed into the ultra sexy and feminine clothing that she is now known best for. By the eighties and into the nineties, she had a cult celebrity following. This is a stunning example of just how gorgeous and dramatic her work could get.
This is one of the most gorgeous Vicky Tiel Couture dresses That I have had in the shop. The dress is cut with her signature hourglass silhouette that follows your every curve. The bodice dips at the front with a pretty curved sweetheart neckline and has a simple coop at the back. The bodice is shaped and cupped over the breasts and there is inner boning for support. It is fitted under that and the waist is nipped in sharply. The sleeves as long and I love how they are set in a straight line down from the shoulder to give that sharp little angle where they meet the curve of the bust. The skirt wrapped over itself and the hem curves up that one side. There is a bit of a slit behind the front wrap so you get a flash of leg when you sit or walk. The fabric is gathered in on the one side for detail and there is a slight nit of padding that sits under the waist seam, This is what give s it that little shelf like feel and touch of volume that exaggerates the shape of your curves. I love it. The silk is equally spectacular. The back drop is done in an inky black with a secondary pattern woven though in a different finish thread. Then onto that is a stunning bright pink floral print and vivid green leafs. It looks to have been worn very little if at all. Excellent condition
The dress is fully lined in black silk and closes with a back painted metal zipper. Boning through the bodice. It looks to have been worn very little if at all.
Sleeves: 22"
Inset shoulders: 13"
Bust: 16.5" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17.5" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from top of the shoulder to waist
Skirt length: 23.5" from waist to hem
Modern Sizing equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD3955
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
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This dress has had the part of the label that tells the collection date removed at some point in its history but I believe it is from the later 1980s based on the styles and similarities to other dresses I have previously had in the shop from that period. Regardless of its exact date it is definitely Karl's work and it is a gorgeous example of his work. It is a very easy to wear dress and of course Chanel is never a bad idea.
This Chanel dress is so pretty. It is made out of a black silk chiffon that gives the dress its play on different transparencies that make up the design. It is light in weight and wonderfully easy to wear. Despite its light weight the fabric still has enough substance to hold the cut and give it the wonderful shape that you see. The bodice of the dress is sleeveless and cut to skim over you. A single layer sits over the bodice to the high scooped neckline and then there is a second layer under that to cover the breasts. The top layer then curves over the shoulder and plunges to the waist band in a deep open V. From just under the bust to the waist is a wide gathered 7" band made from gathered silk chiffon. I love how the gathers are set horizontally so it breaks the vertical lines of the dress and becomes a design detail in itself. The skirt falls for under there and it is made up of several curving panels of the silk chiffon that are set around the waist. The opaqueness is created by them being layered over each other but when you move or sit you get a flash of a subtle transparency that is fabulous. The lightness of the silk allows it to flare out and the movement that the layers give the dress has once it is on is incredible. The front is curved up so that is is slightly shorter then the back. At the back it zips to close and then has a row of tightly spaced gold toned Chanel buttons running all the way up the back. The construction is immaculate and it looks to have been worn very little if at all. It is gorgeous. Excellent condition
Lined as described above through the bodice and it zips to close at the back with a row of buttons over the zipper closure. It looks to have been worn very little if at all.
Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 11.5" from top of shoulder to top seam of waist banding
Waist band: 7"
Skirt: 26" from bottom seam of the waist band to shortest point of the front hem, 41" to the longest point at the back
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD3954
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
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Adolfo started his career under Balenciaga and like Halston he was a successful milliner before opening his own fashion house. He became know for his Chanel inspired suiting and beaded pieces. Adolfo often did custom work for his clients who ranged from the Duchess of Windsor, to Jackie Kennedy Onassis, Gloria Vanderbilt and Nancy Reagan. He even won a Coty Award in 1969. I love his work and this is a gorgeous set.
When worn together the pieces have the feel of a dress. But being three separate pieces you have the versatility to wear them with other items you already own and really extend the life of them. All three pieces are made out out of a light weight silk lame that has gold metallic thread running through the fabric. The silk of the sleeveless tank top combines two shades of gold. The skirt has that same gold set as a wide band around the hem. Then the body of the skirt is a gorgeous purple silk. Onto the purple is a wavy design in a gold and a metallic green. The green especially catches the light with the smallest movement and it is fabulous. The skirt is fitted at the waist with a gold bad of fabric and then widens out as it nears the hem. Depending on your height this should fall at a mini length. It also comes with its original gold tie belt that is finished with long purple silk cord and tassels. This is one of those pieces that is even better in person. Excellent condition.
The top is unlined and the skirt has a second interior layer of the gold silk lame. The top buttons at the back of the neck with a fabric covered button and the skirt closes with a zipper and hook & eye at the waist. Pockets on the hip of the skirt. The top is bias cut so has some give.
Top
Bust: 16-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 19.5" from shoulder to hem
Skirt
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 38" from waist to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD2626
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
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This is just a wow kind of piece. It is made from a red jersey that has a touch a sheen finish and has some pretty fabulous draping. There is a a touch of Studio 54, disco era sexiness thrown in the mix and it just couldn't be better. The jumpsuit simply slips on to wear and has elastic through the waist so that you can get into it. The top is draped and cut loose and easy. It has a serious plunge on the front and the back with panels of fabric draping over the bodice to the waist. Both sides plunge almost to the waist but the placement of the fabric holds it in place so that you feel safe wearing it. Each shoulder is gathered across the top of the shoulder and left as a wide panel of fabric there to create impact. The waist has elastic so its incredibly easy to wear. The jumpsuit has its original matching tie belt so you can cinch on the waist as much as you want to really emphasize the shape or you can wear it loose and easy. The pants have an almost harem cut feel to them, with each leg narrowing in a bit by the time they hit the ankles. Each side has a huge pointed panel that you can leave out for a more avant garde shape or tuck the point inwards to create a soft draping down the side of the leg. It is so sexy and so very easy to wear. It looks to have been worn very little if at all. Excellent condition
Unlined and has elastic through the waist. The fabric does have some stretch. Original tie belt is present. The easy cut should allow it it fit a range of sizes. the colour is a touch brighter in person
Bust: open and generous. Should fit most busts from tiny to about 40" around
Waist: 12-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open and generous
Bodice: approx 15" from neck to lowest waist seam but meant to drape a bit
Pants: 39" from waist to hem
Inseam: 28"
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD3951
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
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Early Ferragamo pieces are highly collectible and in their day they were sought after. Women like Elizabeth Taylor and Brigitte Bardot were huge fans of the label. From the sixties through to the early eighties the Ferragamo label was known world wide for pieces that incorporated gorgeous graphics and cutting edge designs. This dress is extremely well made and a very dramatic and bold dress that will definitely turn heads.
This dress is entirely covered with hundreds of thousands of glass beads. When it is off the body it it heavy. I weighed it on my scale and it comes in at just under 7 pounds. And yet it drapes and sits on the body in a very balanced way. You can definitely tell it is a high end piece given all that weight. It is very rare that you would see a dress this heavy in a new piece. Usually heavy applications of glass bead work is reserved for modern couture or far older pieces then this. The cut of this dress is a very flattering one shoulder silhouette. The base fabric is a fine red silk chiffon and then it is lined in a second inner layer of a red silk chiffon. The one side curves up and over the shoulder and then from there it curves gracefully across the back and the bottom point of the plunge sits slightly towards the back. The shoulder is twisted for a pretty detail. The angle the open side is cut on is fairly sharp so it really leaves you bare on the one side. The waist is seamed but not cinched and the dress has its original fully beaded, matching belt that you can wrap and tie around you to add more shape. The dress falls to the floor from there and the skirt widens out as it nears the floor. There are many yards of fabric in the skirt and one side of the back skirt has more folds and gathered fabric. This is done on the more bare side of the bodice and it a deliberate detail to add extra volume there and highlight the open plunge above it. It is also cut slightly longer here as well for a pretty nod to a train without being a train. The beads are done in both a flat pattern towards the bottom and then are more a looped design towards the upper part of the dress. This gives the beads a very subtle bit of movement. The beads are the same red as the dress. They catch the light with your slightest movement and from every angle. It is just spectacular. Excellent condition with a minor note below
Fully lined in a red silk chiffon. It closes with a side zipper and an inner waist stay hooks to close. Tagged 40. I see a small ares on one side of the bodice where the fabric has been folded and sewn. The angle is sharp and I am sure this was done so it fully covers the bust of you are smaller chested. I left it could it could be easily un-tacked. I see a small area of missing beads near the zipper and one near the edge of the arm hole side. Please see the photos after the label shot. There is the occasional loose thread or missing bead here and there but there are so many thousands of beads its minor and its pretty much unavoidable with a dress with this many beads
Bust: 16-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 24" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 44" from waist to hem and 47" to the one slightly longer part at the side of the back
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD3952
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
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Victor Costa launched his label in 1974 and was known for producing versions of what was seen on the Paris runways. Costa chose good fabrics for his designs and even though his work was often very close interpretations of other designs he did add his own unique twist when it came to colours, cut and fabrics. Some of his work is quite lovely and this dress is one of the very good pieces that he did.
This is such a great little dress. It is simple yet very striking with the feathers all around the bodice. The body of the dress is made from a black jersey and it is cut and shaped to follow your curves. The fabric has some thickness to it so that it keeps the exact shape that you see once on the body. The skirt has the illusion of being wrapped over itself at the front. It circles around the hips and wraps over itself at the front curving up from the hem. This leaves an overlapped opening so that you get a flash of leg when you move or sit. The waist is accented by a wide band of gathered fabric that starts at the top of the hips and goes right up to under the bust curving in for shape. Topping this is that wonderful strapless bodice that is made out of overlapped feathers. The feathers have this fantastic slightly green iridescent finish to then that catches the light from every angle. This creates a fantastical and whimsical feel that is fabulously bold and dramatic. Excellent condition
The dress is lined in the same jersey as the exterior and it closes with a back zipper. The inner waist stay closes with hook and eye. There is a light layer of padding through the bust and the bodice is lightly boned
Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Seam under the bust: 15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Seam at top of hips: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Natural hips: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 36" from top of feathers to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD3948
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
yves saint laurent
Dramatic Fall 1987 Yves Saint Laurent Strapless Silk & Taffeta Dress w Ruffles & Bow
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This dress is one of the several versions that were produced for the Fall 1987 season. Versions and variations of the dress were done for both the Haute Couture runway and Rive Gauche. A somewhat similar version in pink and black, worn by Naomi, was featured in the fall ad campaign for the Rive Gauche label. As much as I love the pink version, I think that the all black is even more wearable for a larger variety of occasions. This dress is also one of the most dramatic of all the similar examples I have shared here and I love that about it.
The dress is strapless with a wonderful curved bodice and short fitted cut. The fabric is so unusual. It has a slight bubbled textured feel to it which makes it a much more interesting choice than a plain black fabric would have. I love the ruffle detailing that finishes the edges. This is a classic YSL touch that adds to the impact the dress has. The ruffles follow the upward curving edge of the bodice and then go all the way down and around the back. A double layer of wider ruffles edge the bottom hem to give it extra volume and flare. The front of the skirt has an extra apron-like overlay that has allowed him to curve one of the ruffled finishes along its edge and up to the hip. At that side of the hip is a large black bow set slightly to the back if the side. The bow is made of the same silk taffeta that the ruffles are made from. This adds incredible volume and I love it. Everything about the cut of the dress is done to highlight the curves of the body from the way the hem is set to that final ruffle that curves across the back. It is gorgeous. Excellent condition
Fully lined in a black cotton and the interior bodice is lightly boned for shape and support. Inner waist stay that hooks to close and the back closes with a fine metal zipper. Tagged a vintage YSL 38
Bust: 15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 31" from top seam of the bodice to hem and the top ruffle adds 2.5" inches above the top seam of the bodice
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD3090
Reference Photos: (1) Naomi Campbell for Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, F/W 1987. / (2-3) Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture S/S 1987 Runway.
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
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This dress was designed by Belgian-born Jules-Francois Crahay, who headed the Lanvin ateliers from 1964-1984. His time at the Lanvin label is one of my personal favourites for the house. He pushed the envelope in terms of using cutting edge fabrics available during this time period and his designs ranged from high fantasy and print-work to amazingly wearable and timeless pieces like this. It is stunning in person and think it is even better then the photos do it justice.
The dress is made from a black moire finished silk mix in a black on black design. The finish lets it subtly catch the light from every angle while still feeling elegant and not too over-the-top. The bodice is strapless and lightly boned for structure. It has a pretty curved and scalloped pattern around the top edge for a little unexpected detailing. It is meant to fit snug to you and then nips in at the waist. Under that the skirt is cut in this fantastic tulip shape. It is quite full and open through the hips and then it comes in to narrow down as it reached the hem. Over this is an 8" wide peplum that circles all the way around the hips and is cut and set so that it flares out a bit to add to the exaggerated feel the hips have. It is gorgeous and looks to have been worn very little if at all. Excellent condition.
Fully lined in black silky rayon and closes with a side hidden zipper. The bodice is lightly boned. Hand finishes throughout.
Bust: 16.5" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 23" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Bodice length: 8.5" from top of bust to waist
Skirt length: 21" from waist to hem
Modern Sizing equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD3949
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
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The Lucie Ann label started off as a lingerie company when it launched in 1947 by Lucie Ann Onderwyzer. She soon became known for her extravagant feathered edged peignors that were all the rage in Hollywood. Eva Gabor was a huge fan and client and she often wore the label on her TV series 'Green Acres'. Once in to the early 60s she branched out to more hostess type pieces as well and this caftan dress is one of the most coveted of the things she did from that period. I have had one other about 10 years ago and am happy to have found its twin. It is a bit of a rarity and quite fabulous. It is made out of a light weight gold lame fabric that has a stunning swirling print that runs over its surface. The backdrop is a deep natural linen colour and then the print is a mix of pink, coral, blue and green that pops off the neutral backdrop. The entire fabric has a gold thread worked through it with some parts done in a heavier weight to form another layer of the print. This allows the caftan to catch the light and shimmer from every angle. It is tremendously easy to wear. It slips over the head with a V neck at the front and then extends out at each side. There are built in wide openings for your arms and then it drapes beautifully down each side. Gold sequins and a flat gold braiding detail both the cuffs and the neckline. It is very light weight and easy to wear. Excellent condition.
Unlined and closes at the back with hooks above an open keyhole. The loose and easy fit should allow it to work on a variety of sizes. At some point the hem was taken down and there is a very faint fold line in some spots along it. The edge is serge finished and neat. I chose to leave it as its looks fine on like this. You could easily shorten it if you wished but this way it is at its maximum length.
Width: 38" flat across from seam to seam
Length: 59" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: OSFA
Item# DD3947
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
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This is a beautiful Emilio Pucci dress that is made out of one of his signature silk jerseys. This fabric held colour wonderfully and is part of the reason why even all these decades later that the dress is still so vibrant in feel. The dress is covered with one of his iconic prints that suggests bold florals. This one is a mix of several shades of ocean blues with grey and ivory pops. The dress is easy to wear. The bodice crosses over itself at the front and there is a little hidden set, silk covered snap to hold it perfectly in place. A contrasting border edges the neckline and runs down to the the slightly high set waist. The waist is also detailed with a printed border that curves around you and there is a panel of it that runs down the back of the skirt. The sleeves are long with a bit of volume over the cuffs and each wide cuff is a double panel of the border print. Under the waist the skirt falls in a sleek line with a slight A-line cut. There are hidden pickets along each hip. This is a classic Pucci silhouette and very sexy despite it not being super form fitting. The contrasting printed bits help to define the cut of the dress and draw the eye into a pretty silhouette. This mix of blues is always one of my favorite of his prints and the pattern is bold and beautiful. The dress appears to have been worn very little if at all. Excellent condition.
Unlined and closes with a painted metal zipper at the side. Tagged a vintage Pucci 12. The fabric does have slight stretch. Each cuff closes with a newer looking series of hidden set snaps and there is a silk covered hidden snap at the bodice as described above. Hidden pocket along each hip. I see a tiny pull in the fabric near the seam under the arm
Sleeves: 26"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 16-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20-22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 14" from neck to bottom seam of the 2" band at the waist
Skirt: 26.5" from bottom seam of the band at the waist to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD2718
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
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John Bates founded the Jean Varon label in 1960 and it became known for the futuristic designs that Bates created. By the late sixties and into the seventies his work tended more towards more floaty, feminine designs. Some of the very best pieces were made during this time period and his print dresses are some of my favourites to find.
I have only ever seen one other version of this dress and it was full length so I am not sure if this one was shortened at some point or if it was ordered at this length. Either way it is a gorgeous little dress. It is made out of a light cotton mix voile. The print on it is a pretty soft blue and the fabric has a touch of transparency to it that gives the colour an extra dimension. The dress has a high scooped neck and the front bodice has a bibbed feel created by a center panel that is edged in a black and white braiding. This is also where the dress opens up so that you can get into it and the tightly spaced domed buttons that run down one side and across one shoulder become a beautiful design element. At the back there is the same braiding again. The waist is set slightly high. The sleeves are amazing. Each is very full and sit above a buttoned cuff. I love how the top of cuffs are both accented by more of that black and white cording. Under that the skirt falls to below the knee and is quite full due to the pleating that runs down the center on both sides o the dress. Flat knife pleats act as gathers down the middle of the front and back and also add even more detail to the dress. It is so pretty. Excellent condition with a small note below
Fully lined in an ivory silky rayon and and closes with the buttons up the side of the front and across the shoulder. Each cuff buttons to close. There is a teeny part of the braiding at the back of the neck that has pull out. I can put a stitch to hold it down before it ships. And one button is missing on one cuff. This will sit best on a 0-4 as it is cut small across the chest (and a small busted 4 at max)
Sleeves: 26"
Shoulders: 14"
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Midpoint of the bust flat across is 13"
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 11.5" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 28.5" from waist to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-XS
Item# DD3945
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
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The Bessi company was launched in 1950 but it was not until 1968 that it started producing the printed pieces that the label is now associated with. Like Pucci he signed all his prints and created them himself. In terms of style, construction and quality, Bessi dresses were often on par with Pucci and Leonard, especially the ones from the late sixties to mid seventies. This one is just lovely and the colour of it is divine.
This gorgeous little dress is made from one of their signature velvet fabrics. These velvet pieces hold color especially well and they have a rich decadent feel to them that is hard to beat with their modern counterparts. The print would have been created in-house and then transferred to the velvet. This one is the most gorgeous shade of a dusky soft purple shade that has pops of pale pinks and white. The print is a pretty floral design that runs over the velvet. The dress is kept simple in its cut so that the colors and the print can shine. The bodice skims over the bust with a high neck. It has no sleeves and the arm openings dip low on each side. It skims over the bust to meet a band of velvet at the waist. This then tops a simple skirt that curves over the hips and widens out as it nears the hem. The skirt has some fullness and the design is beautifully laid out onto it. A border is creates contrasting to the print and this runs down the center of the dress on both sides and circles the hem. It is also used on the top of each shoulder and for the collar. It is quite lovely. Presents as excellent condition with some notes below to review
Fully lined in a Bessi embossed pale blue silk and closes with a back painted metal zipper. Unlabeled but signed throughout. The lining has slight discoloration throughout. There is some grubbiness along the edge of the collar and the edges of the arm. There is a very faint change in colour to one side of the bodice and along the top of one shoulder. Once on these are very minor due to the extensive print. Please review the photos provided after the label shot and know that the photos look worse then how it does in person. Priced with these in mind and still has tons of life in it and is super cute on.
Bust: to 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 14" from neck to bottom seam of 2" waist band
Skirt: 27" from bottom seam of waist band to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD3944
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
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If I am deciphering the tag on this dress correctly it is from the Fall 2016 collection. It was not a runway piece but it was not unusual for other pieces to be produced for retail by the brand. It is a gorgeous dress. From his very first collection for the Fall of 2002, Alber brought a beautiful silhouette to the house that was flattering to women but still was very easy to wear. This dress is based on just that theory and it is incredibly easy to wear. The dress is suspended from the shoulders by a thin strap that curves down to the back. It then passes through grommets and ties across the back to keep it perfectly in place The rest of the upper back is left bare above the dipped V there. The front also dips in a V and then the dress closes down the front with a series of gold edged glossy black buttons. It is cut in a loose and easy line that widen out as it nears the hem. At the waist are drawstring ties that run through a hidden tunnel running around the waist. You can use those to cinch in the waist as much as you like or leave them more open to get a more sheath dress feel. This makes it incredibly comfortable and accommodating once on the body. Pockets are hidden along each hip for a touch of ease to the design and the skirt is cut super model long. The body of the dress is a soft black lace feeling fabric with a nude silk underneath to give the illusion from afar that you are bare. It is then finished with an extra wide ruffle of the lace at the hem. It is also very versatile with the ability to go from day to night with a simple change of accessories. This one has never been worn and still has its original tags attached including an extra button. Excellent condition
The body of the dress is lined in a nude silk and the bottom ruffled part is unlined. It buttons to close with a drawstring at the waist as described above. Tagged a modern 34 but seems extremely generous in cut for that size so please check the measurements below . New with original tags
Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 16" from top of shoulder to waist
Skirt: 46" from waist to hem
Front skirt opening: 29: from hem to first button
Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG
Item# DD3942
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yves saint laurent
Rare Spring 1990 Yves Saint Laurent Mini Front Skirt Longer Back Pink & Black Dot Dress
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This is a rare and hard to find dress. The shorter black and white version was used in the ad campaign that year photoed on Supermodel Christy Turlington. This was one of the iconic pieces of that season and I am very pleased to have found this example. And do I dare say that I love the pink version better then the one used for the ad campaign?
The spring 1990 collection was fully of whimsy and ruffles. It highlighted just how well Yves could do a feminine piece with a bit of wit and romance. The dress is made from a light weight silk organza that holds the shape and volume that you see beautifully. It has been dyed to a soft pink and then has black dots worked over it from top to bottom. The front of the bodice is scooped and edged with his signature black braiding. The bodice is cut to skim over you and then comes in a touch at the waist. It skims past the waist to end at the top of the hips. If you wanted to add more shape you could easily add a belt to really define and cinch it in. At the back the dress has a series of glossy black buttons that pick up in the dots in the print. The seam that runs around the top of the hips is set on a curve and at the back it dips down just a touch for a pretty feel. The skirt is set into that seam and it is gorgeous. It is set in a series of soft pleats that give it the volume that you see. There is a tremendous amount of fabric in the skirt. At the front it falls to just above or at the knees depending on your height and then it curves down and around to fall to mid-calf or the ankle, again height dependent. The bottom edge of the skirt is finished with a wide ruffle and this just increases the volume and movement that the skirt already has. The fabric is light enough that the skirt will move with the slightest bit of air. When you move it moves. The last perfect touch are the sleeves. They are cut to the elbows and each is finished with the same ruffle and the skirt. It wraps all the way around the edge and then runs up the side for a bit of a jaunty flare. I love it. This dress is beyond in person and far better then how it even photoed. Excellent condition with a note below.
The top is lined in a matching fine silk and the skirt and sleeves are unlined. It closes with a back zipper under the decorative row of buttons. The buttons on the cuffs are decorative. here is a small inner hip panel under the skirt. There are some areas of yellowing on the ruffles of the skirt on one side and a tiny colour run mark. With the volume that the skirt has this is very minor. Please see the two photos after the label shot. Tagged a 40
Sleeves: 13"
Shoulders: 15-16"
Bust: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Seam at top of hips: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner hip panel: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam and if you added to that the hips would be completely open
Bodice: 21" from top of shoulder to seam at top of the hip
Skirt: 15" from seam at top of the hip to front hem, 34" to the back hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD3940
Reference Photos: (1) Spring 1990 Yves Saint Laurent Runway. / (2-3) Christy Turlington in a Saint Laurent Rive Gauche dress of polka dot Abraham fabric, for the Spring 1990 Ad Campaign, photographed by Arthur Elgort.
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
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Vicky Tiel was backed by Elizabeth Taylor as a young designer after working on the costumes for 'Whats New Pussycat'. After a stint with a partner she launched her self named label in Paris in 1970. She as one of the very early boutique owner/designer that offered a ready-to-wear option in Paris. That said, her clothes often walk a fine line between ready-to-wear and couture in terms of their construction and techniques used. By the mid to late seventies her style had developed into the ultra sexy and feminine clothing that she is now known best for. By the eighties and into the nineties, she had a cult celebrity following. This is a stunning example of just how gorgeous and dramatic her work could get.
The dress is gorgeous and it is cut to highlight all of your curves. I love that it is made out of silk chiffon and that is is done in the prettiest colours. So many of her pieces are black and have that very dark sensual feel to them. It is a real treat to see her more romantic feeling work and use of colour while still keeping her signature sexiness. One of her signatures was a dress that is strapless and you could easily tuck the tiny silk straps in on this one so you can wear it either way. In 1985 People Magazine declared her to be 'the Queen of the strapless dress' and her dresses were a favourite on the red carpet. The body of the dress is made of an extensively draped silk chiffon that has been entirely hand set into place to create the layers that you see. These are hand set into place and cover the entire dress. It is cut to be very fitted at the top of the bodice where it is meant to hug your curves. The silk is gathered to highlight the shape even more. The cups of the dress are finished with a dramatic beaded and sequin design and this same design peaks out again at the back. More bead and sequin work sits just to one side where some of the silk is gathered up for added detailing. I love the cascading effect the silk has as it falls in the different layers and lengths down the body. The changing of the silk from a pink to that beautiful sea green just adds to its beauty. It is gorgeous. Excellent condition
Fully lined in a pink silk and pink silk chiffon and closes with a back metal and nylon zipper. Light boning on the sides of the bodice. Hand finishes throughout and very well made. I see one pinhead size mark on the back near the zipper. Please see the photo after the label shot. The silk is bias cut so there is some give
Bust: to 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 58" from top of straps to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD3805
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
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In 1951, 27 year old James Galanos launched his first label called Galanos Originals. By 1954 he had won a Coty award and the Neiman Marcus award. By 1958 he was producing clothing that could range in price from $200 to $3000, an astronomical price for ready-to-wear for that time period. That said, his ready-to-wear line was made to almost true couture standards and pieces were made with a level of craftsmanship that was on par with the French couturiers. Galanos was a master cutter and draper and he used many couture techniques in the construction of his work. Grace Kelly was an early fan and he was truly one of the great American designers. His work is held in all of the major museums around the world and he is one of my personal favourite designers. This dress is super easy to wear and gorgeous
This fabulous little black dress is made out of a fine light weight silk. This fabric choice gives the dress a lovely light and airy feel to it. The dress is unlined and simply floats over the body. The neckline is cut straight and wide across the shoulders and I think if you are narrow through the shoulder you could even wear this as an off-shoulder dress or at very least let is slip down and off one shoulder. The sleeves are cut extra wide and end with a ruffle. The width of them and fullness of the cut gives then a caped feel. The sleeves extend out from the waist at the bottom and then slope down and over the shoulder at the top. This sleeve choice gives the dress a very feminine feel and also adds a lot of movement through the top of the dress. The bodice is cut to blouse out over the waist playing on that caped feel. There is a slit that runs down the center front of the dress that you can't super see in the photos but it is there and adds an unexpected flash of skin when you move. The waist is elastic and this lets you play with where the waist sits. You can wear it higher up or have it sit a little lower so the length is longer. I have added a pretty black grosgrain ribbon that cinches it in and I will send this with the dress. The skirt falls from the waist in a pretty cascade of fabric and gives the illusion of wrapping around you and curving up on one side. The skirt is finished at its edge with a ruffle. The way it crosses over itself allows for a bit of leg to show when you walk or sit. It is a really special piece that is super comfortable to wear and that can have a lot of subtle sexiness to it or feel very prim and proper depending on how you style it. On an actual body it is even better then on my dress form because he cut his dresses to be worn and move with the body. Excellent condition with a note to review below
Unlined and slips on to wear with a hook at the back of the neck above a keyhole. Elastic at the waist for an easy fit. Ribbon edged finishes seams. Extremely well made. Sent with a grosgrain ribbon for the waist that is not original to the dress. The elastic waist should allow it to fit a range of sizes
Shoulders: no defined seams
Bust: open with no true side seams
Elastic waist: 12-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 18" from top of bodice to waist and will blouse over
Skirt: 25" from waist to shortest point of front hem, 36" to back hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD3936
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
lanvin
Spectacular 1970s Lanvin by Jules-Francois Crahay Off or On the Shoulder Draped Jersey Dress
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This dress was designed by Belgian-born Jules-Francois Crahay, who headed the Lanvin ateliers from 1964-1984. His time at the Lanvin label is one of my personal favourites for the house. He was known for being a genius at print and colour but he also pushed the envelope in terms of using cutting edge fabrics available during this time period. This dress is a spectacular example of that. All of the detailing that you see is done purely through the manipulation of the fabric. It is gorgeous.
This dress is made out of a black silk jersey that gives it that beautiful draping effect that you see. It's pleating and the way that the fabric is draped give it a touch of a Madame Gres piece in feel. It is insanely beautiful in person. It manages to be simple and yet very complex at the same time. The dress flows to the floor in a long and dramatic swoop of jersey. The skirt is constructed in a way that when you are standing perfectly still it falls in a perfect column but when you move you realize that there is a tremendous amount of fabric in there. The bodice is shaped and boned so that it has a more structured feel to it and it is fitted to the body. The front is set in a peaked sweetheart that emphasizes the bust. The jersey is draped over this and crosses over itself at the front. The waist nips in and is shaped. The skirt is set under the edge of the bodice and I love the evenly spaced pleats that run all the way around you. The sleeves are very unusual. Each is a single layer of jersey cut extra long and with a full gathered cap near the shoulders. The upper part of the shoulder is soft and this allows you to be able to wear them both on or off the shoulders. When you wear them up and on the shoulders they have a more squared off formal feel and when worn down they take on a softer feel that leaves the shoulders completely bare. The sleeves are cut extra long so when it is on an actual person they will gather up along the arm and extend that draped feel that the shoulders have. The dress is beautifully finished with hand work throughout. This is a dress that needs an actual body in it to truly come to life. The photos do not come anywhere near to how amazing this dress is in person. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. Excellent condition
The bodice is fully lined in black silk and the skirt unlined. It closes with a hidden set side painted metal zipper. Boning through the sides and bodice. Hand finishes throughout. Tagged a 38. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.
Sleeves: approx 24"
Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: approx 15" from top of shoulder to waist
Skirt: 46" from waist to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD3472
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
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This is a set from the tail end of Ossie's career. After enjoying much success through the late sixties and early seventies the late seventies saw most of that end as his diaphanous gowns and moss crepe pieces went out of style. Pieces from this later period are harder to come by as they were commissioned by clients individually for the most part so where never in large scale production. It is an much overlooked part of his career but I treasure each one I find as it represents some of the last of the work he would do. This one is very much in line with the Studio 54 mood of those days and I love it. His designs transform once they are on the body and no matter how fabulous the set looks in the shots it is even better in person and on.
This is a great set that is made from a black silk jersey that has incredible drape and slink once on the body. It is two pieces - a pair of loose and easy pants that narrow as they reach their hems and a top that you just slip on over your head to wear. The pants have this simple and easy button front that is quite genius. There are no closures other than two buttons at the waist. To wear them you step into them and then button two buttons at the front so that the front flaps of fabric there overlap and close. The waist is banded for shape and then the pants are loose and generously cut through the hips with lots of drape at the front. There are pockets on each hip. From there they taper down to the ankles where they puddle a bit depending on your height. The top is made with a simple loose cut tank with skinny straps. A second strap extends out from the front that you can wrap behind the neck and tie for a little extra detailing. The top is cut to be loose and easy through the body so is very comfortable to wear. Added bonus for being able to mix and match the two pieces with other things you already have in your wardrobe which extends the wearabilty of it. Excellent condition with a note below
Unlined and the pants button to close as described above and the top slips over the head. Pockets on each hip. Tagged a vintage UK 12. The fabric does have some stretch. The waist is banded. It might be possible to move the buttons over to give you up to an inch more. One button at the waist has lost its fabric top.
Top
Bust: 16-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14-16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bottom hem: 15-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 23" from top of shoulder to hem
Pants:
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: approx 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Pant: 46" from top of bodice to waist
Inseam: 33.5" from waist to hem
Rise: 15"
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD3932
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
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This is the work of Elinor Simmons who designed for the Malcolm Starr label from the early 1960s to 1972. She excelled at the heavy embellished piece that the label was known for and this is a wonderful example of her work. It is even more amazing in person and the photos cannot convey the weight and presence of it. It is incredible
This is a stunning dress. This is the kind of piece that you only find in vintage because they just could not make things at this level anymore. The price would be too cost prohibitive. The entire dress is made from a gold net that is feels like it has actual meal worked into the thread. Then onto that is an extensive design done in a gold braid. The gold braid is hand set into little curving swirls and loops that cover the entire dress. Wider panels made of the same braiding run down and highlight the lines of the dress. These edge the neckline, meet in the center and then run to meet another panel of cording that circles the waist. That center panel then continues past the waist to the hem. To add yet another layer of glamour the fabric has hundreds of prong set iridescent rhinestones mixed with sequins and beads scattered over its surface. The makes the entire dress shimmer and catch the light from every angle. The net has a touch of transparency to it and sits over a nude silk lingerie netting through the bodice and then has an ivory underlay for the skirt. The cut is simple so that the gold can take center stage. The bodice is sleeveless with a V front. The waist nips in slightly and then the skirt falls under that and widens out as it nears the hem. It is a beauty. Excellent condition
Fully lined in a combination of nude silk lingerie netting through the bodice and a cream satin under the skirt. It closes with a back painted metal zipper on the interior lining and has fabric covered buttons and loops on the exterior dress that sits over that. I see some grubbiness to the edge of the inner hem that does not show when its on. The inner skirt has impressions of the netting on it from previous storage. It otherwise looks to have been worn very little.
Bust: 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner hips: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 14" from shoulder to bottom seam of waist including the 2" band
Skirt: 38.5" from bottom of seam at the waist to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD3928
Reference Photo: Model in Malcolm Starr, Harper's Bazaar, 1968. Photo by Neal Barr.
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
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This is the second time I have had this dress in the shop and its just as good this time around. It dates to the Fall 1990 collection and I have included a reference shot from the runway show where you can see a dress that has the same brass bell trimming along its edges. A version from that season was also included in the Oscar de la Renta exhibit in 2016. It is a wonderful dress and I absolutely love it.
The dress is stunning and I love the combination of the pattern in the silk, the gold thread that runs through the entire dress and the little brass bells that edge the dress. The metallic thread that is worked into the fabric give the entire dress a golden finish that catches the light from every angle. He then finished the edges with a braided gold cord that is made from an actual metal thread. This runs around each cuff, down the edge of the skirt and circles all the way around the hem. More of it follows the neckline and then runs down on an angle across the bust. The cord is laid out in little loops and then there are these amazing little brass bells hand placed into the loops. There are hundreds of them and they are real and work so every time you move there is a wonderful little jingling sound that the bells make. It is a soft pretty sound rather then a true bell ringing kind of sound so is more on the subtle side and not overwhelming. It is quite amazing and adds an unusual element to the dress. The bodice is cut to be loose over you and the sleeves are long. The waist is seamed but generous and you could cinch it in by adding a belt. The skirt falls from there and wraps over itself so that when you walk or sit you see some leg. It narrows down as it reaches the hem and is longer at the back. The silk is surprisingly lightweight and fluid. Very well made, unusual and yet very beautiful. Excellent condition.
The bodice and sleeves are fully lined in a fine blue silk satin of high quality and the skirt is unlined. It closes with a back, hidden set metal and nylon zipper. Hidden set zippers at each cuff. Light padding in each shoulder.
Sleeves: 24"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 18" from neck to waist and meant to blouse over slightly
Skirt: approx 36.5" where it meets at the front, 41" from waist to the back hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD3827
Reference Photos: (1-2) Fall 1990 Oscar de la Renta Runway. / (3) From the ‘Oscar de la Renta: The Retrospective’ exhibition at de Young Museum, San Francisco, 2016.
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
azzedine alaia
Mid 2000s Azzedine Alaia Supermodel Length White Knit w Nude Underlay Illusion Dress
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Azzedine Alaia pieces are always a delight to find. His knits were all self developed and are among the best out there. He started his career as a dressmakers assistant and copied couture gowns for wealthy Tunisian clients. In 1957 he moved to Paris and worked for Christian Dior for a grand total of five days. He then moved over to Guy Laroche and quietly started to get private commissions on the side. By 1960 he was doing mainly private work and within a few years established a small salon on the Left Bank where he continued designing privately. He stayed at that salon until 1984. During this time period he also did private freelance work for other designers including Claude Montana, Thierry Mugler and even Yves Saint Laurent. It was not until 1981 that he launched his first official collection and by 1983 he had a boutique in Beverley Hills. The French Ministry of Culture honored him with the Designer of the Year award in 1985. In 1993 he decided that the established fashion show schedule was not for him and he eschewed producing a new collection every season. Instead he showed when his collections were ready and continued to do so until his death in 2017. This dress is just fabulous and in mint condition
This Azzedine Alaia dress has a definite nod to some of his earlier work. It is based on a very similar dress to this one that he first made in the 1990s that had a slightly different woven pattern but otherwise had the same feel. The dress is made from ribbed and patterned knit in a stark white. This lies over a nude colored inner stretch jersey. The nude jersey peeks out between the open parts of the white knit and this is meant to give the illusion that you are wearing the knit over your bare skin. This inner lining is a stretch knit jersey that hugs and molds to your body to help hold things in place and creates a smooth line for the dress to fall over. As with all Azzedine Alaia pieces, this dress is cut to hug and highlight every curve. The workmanship and the fabric is the best you can get and I love the wide ribbed knit 'ruffle' at the hem. A V neck at the front and no sleeves are the perfect balance to the original unaltered extra long supermodel length of the dress. It's Barney's tag is still attached and it appears as if the dress was never worn. It is incredible. Excellent condition.
Fully lined in a nude lingerie weight stretch knit jersey. It slips on to wear with no closures. The knit gives is a bias cut so it should accommodate a range of sizes. Tagged a modern Alaia 38 but will stretch quite a bit. I have given the range of sizes from it laying flat and being completely unstretched to stretched out comfortably. You could probably get another inch or so beyond these as well once on an actual body. The length will come up a bit once on an actual body
Bust: 13-18" flat across from side seam to side seam comfortably
Waist: 11-15" flat across from side seam to side seam comfortably
Hips: 16-20" flat across from side seam to side seam comfortably
Length: 64" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD3423
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
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This classic little black dress is a great basic that you will reach for over and over. Halston is one of those labels that with the more time that goes by it actually feels more relevant. It is easy to think of this piece as both a treasured collectible and a closet staple. Every time you slip it on you will look and feel amazing. It has his signature simplicity and masterful draping along with a touch of Studio 54 sexiness thrown in. The dress is made from a light weight black jersey. To wear it you simply slip it on and hook it to close at the top of one shoulder. The bodice is a one shoulder cut and is meant to skim over you. It has elastic through the waist so is very easy to wear and comfortable. I added a grosgrain ribbon that will be sent with it but it could be worn with any belt or with none. The skirt is one panel of fabric that wraps around you and then crosses over at the front. It is cut so the hem follows a soft curve as it comes around the back and then curves up on both sides to meet the waist. This gives it a look of a peplum around the waist that I love. It also gives you a bit of a high low feel with some leg showing at the front and at the back it drops to a full length. This is a signature Halston dress that can go from day or night. Excellent condition
Unlined and slips on to wear with elastic through the waist and a hook at the top of one shoulder.
Bust: covers approx 16-17" flat across the front with no side seam on one side
Elastic waist: 12-16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to approx 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 14" from top of shoulder to waist
Skirt: 24" from waist to shortest part of the front and 43" from waist to the longest point of the back hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD3920
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
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This fabulous dress is easily identifiable as a play on the incredible work of Youssef Rizkallah for the Malcolm Starr label. His pieces that utilized quilting and patchwork are truly iconic and it is fun to have found a dress that was obviously done in homage to his work. This dress has some small flaws but it is still well made and a great way to get this look without the big price tags associated with The Malcolm Starr label these days.
The bodice of the dress is made from a black jersey that is cut with a high scooped neckline and long sleeves. It skims over the bust and nips in at the waist. The skirt flows down from under there widening out as it nears the floor. In sharp contrast to the black top the skirt is made from an ivory fabric accented with red and black. The red is used to highlight the pockets and also runs around the hem. The black parts are done in an inky black velvet that runs down the length of the skirt and also anchors the hem under the red. Gold rick rack highlights all of it and adds a little glitz. The final finishing touch is the gold finished ribbon tie belt with a big velvet bow at the front that wraps and hooks around the waist to tie it all together. It is a great combination of colour and textures. It is so dramatic and like wearing art. I love it. Excellent condition with a minor note below
The top is lined in a black slinky nylon and the skirt in a white muslin. It zips to close at the back. Pockets on each hip. Original belt that hooks to close. There is a slight area of faint yellowing to the fabric on the back if the skirt and a couple of tiny even lighter ones here and there. It is priced with this in mind. Still completely wearable as you only see it in certain lights.
Sleeves: 21.5"
Shoulders: 14"
Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 16.5" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 42" from waist to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD3921
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
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Loris Azzaro launched his label in 1967 and quickly defined his trademark looks by using ornate beading, sequins, daring cut-outs and avant garde ways of defining the body. Some of the most beautiful women in the world wore his clothing including Marisa Berenson, Raquel Welch, Jane Birkin, Sophia Loren, Brigitte Bardot and Tina Turner. It was a label that defined sexiness and had a certain French flare that women world-wide loved. By the seventies and eighties he was experimenting with volume and proportions and new fabrics that at the time were all cutting edge. This is a label that I really love and am always happy to find pieces of.
This dress is a far more subdued piece then we usually see from this label but it is still so fabulous. It is entirely cut on the bias and has minimal seaming. The fabric is a black jersey that allows it to move and drape beautifully. The dress is made from one long single panel of fabric that has darts to add a bit of shape around the bodice and then it extends out to ties that wrap around the neck or over the shoulder. There are also ties attached at the waist with a slit along one seam along one of the deep darts. This allows you to wrap it around you and hold the dress in place. It is very clever. You can wrap and tie those long ties in a variety of ways. I have shown a couple of different ways to wear it on the dress form and I bet you could come up with more. Those ties make it incredible versatile and really it is like buying several dresses in one. Excellent condition
Constructed from a single bias cut jersey layer with the ties extending out from one end and at the waist as described above. The dress slips on to wear with no closures. It can be wrapped and tied several ways as shown. It is almost impossible to measure but should fit a range of sizes
Bust: the fabric is approx 15-16" flat across but there are no side seams so it will fit a large variety of bust sizes
Waist: approx 12.5-17"
Hips: approx 17-22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: approx 58-60" from shoulder to hem but you can adjust it up or down depending on how you choose to wear it
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD3922
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
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This Halston IV jumpsuit is a special piece and it is super rare to boot. I have had the caftan version in this same metallic gold fabric in the shop a few times now but the jumpsuits are very hard to find. The design is simple but at the same time it has so much impact with its bare and sexy feel combined with that gold glamour and glitz. It is an incredible piece that you can wear over and over and style it in a zillion ways depending on what you pair with it.
This jumpsuit is just the perfect piece. The bodice is scooped at the neck with little gold ties in the same fabric that extend out and tie behind the neck. You simply tie it in place and the front scoops in a graceful curve. The ties give you some control on how high the front sits. By adjusting how tight you tie it you can have it sit high up the chest or leave it looser to drape more and sit lower on the chest. The bottom sides curve around just slightly to the back so that your entire back is exposed and bare. The waist is elastic and there is a little matching double tie belt there that you can use to cinch it in as much as you wish. It skims over the hips and then the legs are cut in a bit of a peg leg where they narrow down just slightly as they reach their hems. The fabric has just a touch of transparency to it which adds to its sexiness. It is a piece that is incredibly easy to wear. It can go from entertaining at home with flats, to full on evening glamour. Adding layers under or over it can change up its look completely. It is just amazing. Excellent condition
Unlined and slips on to wear. Ties at the back of the neck. Elastic through the waist. Tagged a vintage Petite. The waist stretches so should accommodate a bit of a range of sizes. The measurements below show the comfortable range while laying flat.
Bust: the full width of the front is 19" side to side
Elastic waist: 12-16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: adjustable but approx 16" from neck to waist
Pant: 41.5" from waist to hem
Rise: 14.5 from back of waist to inner seam
Inseam: 30.5"
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD3918
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
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This is a stunning Valentino that is from the time period of Valentino when it was being co-designed by both Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli. They had stepped into Mr Valentino's shoes and were breathing new life into the brand. I love that they still adhered to the label's heritage in keeping with using the classic Valentino red colour. This is just a lovely lovely dress.
The main body of the dress is made from a light stretch silk crepe in the signature shade of red that Valentino is so well known for. The fabric choice keeps the dress light in weight while still holding that beautiful shape that you see. The bodice is made from a matching red lace that has panels of the crepe draped over it to keep you from being completely bare. It is cut with little capped sleeves and a high scooped neckline. It skims over the bodice and then the panels are draped and tacked over the front to cover the breasts. Another panel goes across the back and then both the front and the back panels extend out into long ties. These tie at one side of the waist. This adds a beautiful detailing and also adds shape through the waist and allows you to adjust the fit. The skirt falls to the floor in a graceful column and gradually widens out just a touch as it nears the hem. Under the tie at the side the skirt is slit quite high and is edged in a double layer of ruffles. This creates a beautiful movement down that side and an added bit of prettiness. The lightness of the silk combined with the opening on the one side allows the fabric of the skirt to move with the slightest bit of movement on your part and it is so pretty when you walk. The skirt is cut very long and is in its original length. It is a beautiful and romantic dress. It looks to have been worn very little it at all. Excellent condition
The bodice is lined a nude organza and the skirt is made from two layers of the red stretch silk. It closes with a side hidden set zipper. The fabric does have a slight stretch. Tagged a modern size 8
Shoulders: 14.5-15"
Bust: to 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5-15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19-22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 17" from neck to waist
Skirt: 51" from waist to longest point of hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD3915
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
lanvin
Late 1970s- Early 1980s Lanvin Rust Coloured Cotton Caftan Dress w Plunge Front & Side Pockets
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This fabulous caftan would have been designed by Jules-Francois Crahay, who headed the Lanvin ateliers from 1964-1984. He has been noted as one of fashion’s 'great colorists with his colorful patterns making his 1970s Lanvin designs hugely desirable and influential.' His time at the Lanvin label is one of my personal favourite periods for the house. I especially love his work during this period. He was a genius at colour and he pushed the envelope in his work with his cuts. This caftan dress dates to the latter part of the 1970s and it is incredible. I love that it could easily worn by anyone and has a very unisex feel to it.
The caftan is cut to be big and oversized so it is exceptionally easy to wear. It generous open cut will suit a large range of body sizes and types. On a smaller frame it will have an over-sized feel and it could easily work on larger frames and even as a unisex or genderless piece. The sleeves are cut to be straight and wide to form a simple T-shape. The neckline is cut into a very low notched slit at the front and is held in place by a little attached strip of the same fabric. It falls to the floor, gently widening as it nears the hem, and there are slits up each side. It is cut to be very loose and easy through the body. The caftan is a made out of almost canvas finished cotton but is not heavy. The colour is a rusted clay that is more earth tone in feel in person then how it photograhed. I love the big pockets that sit on the outside hip on each side. They go with the oversized feel the piece has and are the perfect finishing touch. Excellent condition
Slips over the head to wear with no closures. Easy to care for and can be machine or hand washed. The cotton has a gentle patina that adds to its feeling of being authentic vinage and is from natural aging. The loose and easy cut should work on a variety of sizes.
Sleeves: approx 23"
Dropped shoulders: 18" at seams but no true shoulder
Bust: 26" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 27" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 28.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 56.5" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-XL, OSFA
Item# DD3916
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
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The Valentino Roma label launched in 2000 to take the place of the Miss V line. It was sold at a price point that was more accessible then their main line and was meant to be available in more shops then the main line would be. The pieces are still very well made. This one caught my eye as it would potentially make a great wedding piece. It has a small flaw but it is one that I feel could be fixed or covered and it is a stunning dress.
The dress is made out of a light stretch silk feeling fabric. The colour is a simple and chic and is done in a slightly off-white colour. It is completely cut on the bias and it is super model long. When you slip it on, it simply drapes into place and molds over your curves. The bodice dips into a low plunge that is squared off at its base. Under that is panel that is set with white sequins and beads for a subtle little detailing. It skims over the bodice and then extends up into wide straps that curve up and over the shoulders. At the back there is another dip that also is squared off at its base. It is gathered into the panel at the front and this allows the dress to simply glide over you. The gathers draw in the eye to help the waist looks smaller and make it very flattering. It skims over the hips and then falls to the floor in a cascade of fabric that is cut very long. It gently widens out as it nears the hem. You get a stunning column feel when you stand still but there is enough fabric in there that you get a touch of volume when you move or twirl. It is gorgeous. It has its original tags and appears to have never been worn. Excellent overall condition but it does have two small issues to review below
Fully lined in a white chiffon and closes with a back hidden set zipper. Tagged a size 46 and the bias cut should allow it to fit a variety of sizes. There are two small slits in the fabric on one shoulder. You could easily have these covered or embellished to hide it. There is grubbiness at the hem. It is so long this is from dragging on the floor when previously stored. Even a minor hemming would get rid of it entirely.
Bust: to 19" flat across the front from side seam to side seam
Waist: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 65" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG
Item# DD3912
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
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The Emma Domb company was launched in 1939 by Emma along with her daughter Lorraine. From the beginning they specialized in party dresses at reasonable prices. When Dior launched his 'New Look' they took that concept and ran with it, producing a myriad of dresses with full skirts for all occasions. The Party Lines label was launched on the 1950s to specifically go after the young adult/teen market. They duo produced the dresses themselves in their own factory and the dresses are well made and well designed. The last Emma Domb dress was made in 1974 when the factory was shuttered. The company officially dissolved a couple of years later. Her dresses were an American staple and they are a very beloved collectible in the vintage world.
This dress is just so pretty. I am in love with it. It is really a beautiful example of the kind of dreamy dresses the Emma and her daughter were making. It could of course be worn for a multitude of events but it would also make an amazing wedding piece for the bride looking for a vintage option or as an alternative dress in a more extended wedding celebration. The dress is made from a creamy ivory satin finish fabric. The bodice is very pretty with a curved neckline that dips down just slightly at the centre Tiny little straps curve up and over each shoulder. There is light boning on the sides of the bust for light support and it is seamed to curve around and over the bust. The waist nips in but there is no seam that runs across the waist. Instead the shape is created by a series of vertical seams that hold the panels that the dress is made of together. Under the waist the skirt flares out to be very full. I photoed it primarily with an extra crinoline added underneath but I also took a shot without a crinoline so that you can see how you can wear it either way. It does have a light built in underskirt already and you could probably make it even more full by adding a very puffed and full crinoline. The highlight of the dress is of course the amazing floral design that is done across the entire front. The stalks and leafs are made from a silver and white bead and sequin pattern that is hand applied to the dress. This comes out from one side at the hem and then trails across the entire dress to the bust. Each flower is set on top of the fabric so each is literally is a 3D flower that sits off of the fabric underneath. This amazing extra touch is so pretty and feminine and absolutely sets this dress apart. This is really a wonderful fifties dress and I am obsessed with it. Excellent overall condition with some minor notes below.
The entire dress is backed in 1950s dressmakers paper and it closes with a back painted metal zipper. Light boning on the sides of the bodice. Has a light attached tulle crinoline inside. The extra crinoline used in the photos is not included. The dress presents wonderfully. There is a some grubbiness to the hem and some slight change of colour to the area around the zipper and around the tops edge of the bodice but it is grubbiness not perspiration stains. There are a couple of very light marks on the fabric here and there. Please see all the shots after the label shot. Even with all these it presents extremely well and photos beautifully
Bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam and generous cups - maybe a B-small C
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 59" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD3913
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
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In the oversized photo portfolio for the 1997 Chanel Cruise Collection there is an all black version of this dress shown on the last page where the entire collection is shown in thumbnails. It was only produced in black and in this white for the shops as far as I am aware. Karl Lagerfeld shot the entire collection himself for the portfolio and ad campaign that year using only model Guinevere Van Seenus. That same shot was also used for the Chanel ad campaign that year. This makes this dress an extra wonderful little piece of Chanel's history. It is so rare to find any information on the earlier cruise collections and I was very pleased to have found these photos for this dress.
Besides its fascinating history the dress is gorgeous. It is made out of a crisp white fabric that has a very fine waffle weave texture running over it. This little added texture elevates the white and gives it a slightly nautical feel. The dress slips on and buttons down the front to close, overlapping and then closing with the double row of buttons. I love how each button is engraved with the CC logo and is done in a matching white. The collar is large and oversized. It is cut on a graceful curve that sits wide over the tops of the shoulder but leaves the arms bare. The bodice is meant to skim over you to the waist. The waist is brought in through vertical seaming so it is accented but without it being too fitted and tight. It skims over the hips and then gently widens out as it nears the hem. A bit of an opening is left between the hem and the last button. You can see in the ad shot how this allows your leg to show when you sit and it would do the same to a lesser degree when you walk. The back is scooped low to reveal a bare expanse of skin that peeks out from under the collar. It is a gorgeous piece and a wonderful example of Karl's earlier work. This would make an amazing piece to work into a wedding weekend, to take on a vacation, or simpler to wear to look fresh and chic on a bright sunny day. Great condition with a minor note below.
Fully lined in a white silk that has little double cc embossed throughout. It buttons to close as described above. Tagged a Chanel 38. This dress has an easy soft feel to it. The fabric has softened a touch and it has some press marks on the seams. It is still in amazing condition but priced far lower then it would be otherwise. A slight scuffing here and there and very slight grubbiness here and there. All very minor
Bust: 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 14.5" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 41.5" from waist to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD3914
Reference Photos: (1) Guinevere van Seenus by Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel 1996-1997 Cruise Collection portfolio image / (2) Chanel Cruise Collection ad 1996/1997.
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
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I am always on the look out for this style of dress by Halston. It is perhaps the most iconic of all of the Halston silhouettes and in 2016 a red version of this dress entered modern day fashion history when Kate Moss wore its twin on the red carpet at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival. And we have had Martha Hunt wear a white one version that she sourced from us to Cannes. She landed on several Best Dressed lists as a result. These were made in a variety of colours and this one is a gorgeous purple lavender colour. It is made from a very easy to care for jersey fabric. This fabric choice also makes it very easy to wear. These were made in both a Petite sized version and a regular, longer cut version which are a little harder to find. This is one of the longer ones. It is also a little extra special as it still has it original tag and has never been worn
Halston was a master at this cut. There is a certain sexiness caused by the illusion of having the entire dress suspended by one hook at the shoulder. It gives the sense that undoing that hook would cause the entire dress to drop in a puddle around you (which it would). It is constructed from two attached layers. The inner dress is cut from the same synthetic jersey and skims over the body in a long sheath. This inner part of the dress has a high slit cut into the side that travels up the side of the leg opposite to the draped side. Attached to that inner sheath lies a draped panel of jersey that is suspended from the shoulder. It falls from that shoulder down and over the front and the back of the dress. The dress hooks into place at the shoulder and the jersey cascades loosely down and over the inner layer for the ultimate Grecian goddess feel. This is a classic dress by Halston that is perfect for traveling as it is wash and wear and will travel exceedingly well with little to no wrinkling. It is very easy to style too - a quick change of shoe takes it day to night in a snap. This one looks to have been worn very little if at all and still has its original hang tag attached. Excellent condition.
Slips on to wear and hooks to close at the top of the shoulder. These will fit a variety of sizes since they are not cut to be super fitted and the jersey does have some stretch. Note the colour has a slightly more pastel feel to it then how it photoed. It is better in person I think. I see one tiny pinhole near the seam under the arm. It looks stable and is in spot you would never see.
Bust: to 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist-hip: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 56" from top if shoulder to longest point of hem
Slit: 31.5" from hem up
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG
Item# DD3911
Reference Photo: (1-2) Kate Moss in Vintage Halston at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival. / (3) Karen Bjornsen, Alva Chinn, Connie Cook and Pat Cleveland in Halston Dresses, photographed by by Harry Benson, 1978. / (4) Martha Hunt wearing this dress in Cannes, 2019. / (5) Martha Hunt on Harper's Bazaar Australia Best Dressed List. / (6-7) Cherie, Owner of Shrimpton Couture. / (8) Halston Form Fit Ad, Vogue, October 1980.
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
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Paco Rabanne was a Spanish designer who became known as the 'l'enfant terrible', or unruly child, of the 1960s French fashion world. He began his career making jewellery in unusual materials for many of the French couturiers. In 1964 he was only 30 years old when he presented his first official collection. In 1966 he had his breakout show: 'Twelve Unwearable Dresses in Contemporary Materials.' and it was with this show that he found his calling. The Met museum noted that 'unlike Pierre Cardin and André Courrèges, who employed traditional couture techniques for their "futuristic" designs, Rabanne was interested in creating fashion with uncharted and imaginative production methods using novel postwar industrial materials.' After a few attempted revivals the label is doing very well under Creative Director Julien Dossena. He has been integral with giving new life to the brand.
The Paco Rabanne pieces made from a fine Oroton metal mesh were a spring board from the earlier chain mail examples and were heavily sought after and collected - then and now. This is a classic design that has been re-issued a couple of times since Julien came on board. My client bought this a few years ago and there is an identical gold version coming soon to the Paco website priced at $6400USD.
The dress is completely made from a gold metal mesh. The mesh has a good weight to it but settles onto the body wonderfully and feels spectacular once on. The metal is very cool at first but once your body heat warms it up, it stays at your body temperature and feels quite sensual. The dress is fairly simple yet complex in its design. You slip it on and it drapes loosely across the shoulders and plunges under the arms. Snaps run along the top of one shoulder and then it snaps to close down one side. The snaps are spaced looser apart along your side but then when it hits the hips the snaps are placed closer together. This causes the fine metal mesh to have a draped effect and hikes the dress up on that side. It snaps to close at the top of the side of each waist. At the back it drapes over your curves in the most beautiful of ways. The mesh creates an almost bias cut effect so that is follows the movement of your body. It has just a touch of transparency to it cause by the tiny spaces between each piece of the mesh. On one side of the bust the mesh is fused together slightly differently to create the slightest illusion of a triangle pocket. It is just stunning and on an actual body it is even better as the mesh moves like molten liquid over you and catches the light from every angle. Exceptional. Excellent condition
It slips on and there are snaps on the shoulder and then along one side as described above. Each snap is engrave with the PR initials and the metal Paco Rabanne tag is attached at the back neck. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. Tagged a 38. It is cut looser through the top and narrow through the hips. Once on the waist does drape over a bit
Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 38" from shoulder to shortest point of hem, 44" to the longest.
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-XS
Item# DD3909
Reference Photos/Video: (1) From the Paco Rabanne Website. / (2-4) Halsey, in Paco Rabanne, at the Paco Rabanne Fashion Show in Paris, 2023.
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
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In 1981 Haslton was still in full control of his brand. He had not yet signed the international licensing agreements that would be the beginning of his downfall in 1983. At this point in the Halston history, he was at the top of his game and anyone who was anybody was wearing the Halston label. His prices were sky high and the work put into the pieces was impeccable. This dress is spectacular. It only has its made in India label that his things from this time period have in them, however, this has a matching jacket that my client was not yet ready to let go of and I have seen that jacket myself and it did have its Halston label in it.
Halston's beaded and sequin pieces were being made in India during this time period. Halston personally chose the fabrics and materials that were used for each piece of his collection and then sent them to India where they were beaded and sequinned to his specific instructions and assembled. The 1981 collection was especially intricate and the majority of the runway garments were heavily beaded and/or sequinned. This dress is gorgeous but tiny. It has no side opening. Instead there is just a light elastic that runs through the waist, so it has to be big enough to go over your hips or shoulders. Once on the one shoulder hooks in place to close. All of the bead and sequin work on it is completely done by hand. Silver tube beads, seam beads and silver sequins are tightly spaced and have been hand applied onto the black silk chiffon. I love the boldness of the silver and how the entire dress glitters and sparkles in the light from every angle. The silk chiffon under the sequins and beads has the slightest touch of transparently to it. The silhouette is very simple with a single shoulder that dips low on one side. The bust then skims over you to the waist. The waist has elastic so once on its blouses a little and then the skirt is cut in pencil silhouette under that. It is very flattering on the body and easy to wear. It is pure glamour. Great overall condition with some notes to review below.
Unlined and has no closures. Elastic through the waist. It slips over the head to wear so you have to be small enough to get it on without an opening as described above. You could easily add a side zipper or snaps along the seam if needed. The bead and sequin work is completely hand done. I do see some areas where beads are missing and some loose beads and threads here and there. With the black underneath they almost feel deliberate and I don't think would be an issue once one. Please see the photos after the label shot.
Bust: 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Elastic waist: 11-15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 20" from top of shoulder to waist bit will blouse up
Skirt: 25" from waist to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-XS
Item# DD3908
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
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The Oscar de La Renta boutique label first appeared in 1967 which makes this one from one of the very earliest collection for this line. His boutique label is important as is marked the first ready-to-wear line for a Seventh Avenue designer to be launched. These early pieces are just stunning examples of his work during these early days of his career. And this one is just so cute
This is just one of those things that you only find in vintage. It is super cute and has a bit of a sexiness to it too. It is all in one playsuit that you just step into and then zip to close at the back. The neckline is scooped and the sleeves are capped. It is cut to skim over the bust and then the waist is seamed but was kept loose and easy. Short shorts are below that and they have that wonderful boy short feel that was so in style during this time period. All of the edges are finished in a flat red braiding and I love the row of decorative buttons that runs down the front. The buttons are covered in the same light cotton mix fabric that the rest of the playsuit is made out of and the fabric is finished to have a denim feel to it. This would look incredible really cinched in with a belt or can be kept more loose and easy and worn without. Excellent condition
Unlined and closes at the back with a zipper. The buttons are decorative. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.
Shoulders: 14.5"
Bust: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 14.5" from top of bodice to waist
Rise: 15.25" from back waist to inner seam
Inseam: a smidge over 1.5"
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# S970
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
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Bill Blass launched his label in 1970 when he bought out the Maurice Rentner label and re-launched it under his own name. Blass was arguably one of the most famous of the American designers. His forte was the ability to mix simple styles with luxurious materials and his evening wear in particular seemed to have a way of flattering the wearer. Even when the dress was as bold as this one is. He knew how to walk that line perfectly. This is an early piece of his work and with its glamorous metallic fabric it is just fantastic.
I love these pieces made out of metallic fabrics from the seventies and when a designer like Bill Blass got his hands on it the results were just magical. This feels very on par with the volume we are seeing on current runways but it is better as you will likely never see another one like it. The fabric has a gold metallic thread running through it and then there is a pink and taupe floral print that is screened over the creamy gold feeling base. The gold thread runs over the entire dress so it has a subtle shimmer from every angle. The bodice of the dress is finished with elastic around the upper edge so that you can wear it off of the shoulder. I love that this leaves your shoulders bare and exposed. This also allows the sleeves to take centre stage and they do. They are wonderfully full and pouf out over their elastic cuffs. The bust skims over you and then nips in at the waist. The dress comes with its original belt that is studded with little iridescent half dome beads set on a gold backdrop. This cinches in the waist and adds an extra bit of detailing. The skirt is cut to be very full and wide. At its current length it will likely fall to mid-calf to ankle depending on your height and there is fabric underneath to lengthen it if needed. It is a really an outstanding piece and beautifully constructed. Excellent condition
Fully lined in a deep ivory cream silk and closes with a hand set back metal zipper. The belt snaps to close and someone has added an extra pair of snaps at some point to be able to make it smaller. There is a good 6" of fabric turned up at the hem if you needed more length, however, there is a seam at the hem so that stitched line would still be there if you dropped the length. Elastic through the shoulders and cuffs. You can wear it on the shoulder as well
Sleeves: 21" and will sit longer if worn off the shoulder
Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 14.5" from natural shoulder to waist
Skirt: 38" from waist to hem w approx 6" under the hem as described above
Belt: adjusts from 26-29"
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD3904
Reference Photo: 1969-70 Maurice Rentner by Bill Blass Ad. Model: Pam Suthern.
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
halston
Classic 1970s Halston Metallic Gold Lame Lurex Full Length Caftan Dress w Notched Neckline
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I always love when I find these. I have had the twin of this piece a couple of times now in the shop and they always get snatched up immediately. This is from the Halston IV line and is a made from a gold lurex lame. The simple, classic design makes it an easy way to be instantly dressed up and still entirely comfortable. Rachel Zoe owns and wears the twin of this in the brighter gold version and she has worn and posted herself wearing hers a few times on her Instagram account. It just proves that this is an incredible and glamorous staple piece that you can wear again and again.
I also get these in the various solid coloured jerseys that they come in, but when I get the metallic ones I feel that they are just that little bit extra special. They were made in two tones, one that was a lighter gold and the other that has a gold thread on a black base. This one is the gold on black version. It is a dress that is so easy to wear. I own one myself and can attest that these can go from the beach, to entertaining at home with flats, to full on evening glamour. The caftan has a simple and easy to wear cut. There is a slit front neck and then a second slit runs up the centre seam at the front from the hem. So when you walk or sit you get a flash of leg showing. The cut is loose and easy to wear. It is meant to skim over the body. The sleeves come out directly from the body of the caftan and then narrow down towards the wrist. The skirt flows to the floor and widens out to be quite full as it reaches the hem. The waist is open and easy. If you wanted more definition you could easily add a belt or fabric sash to add shape. This is a wonderful piece with all the minimalist lines that we all love about Halston. Excellent condition
Unlined and slips on to wear. The fabric has a slight transparency to it. The loose and easy cut should allow it to fit a range of sizes. These always have a loose thread here and there but is part of the vintage charm of them. I see a very tiny pull on the side near the arm. The colour is a touch brighter gold in person then how it photoed
Sleeves: approx. 20"
Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust: to 20.5" flat across from side seam to side seam and it widens to approx 26" flat across around the hips
Length: 55" from shoulder to hem
Slit: 19" from hem up
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG
Item# DD3903
Reference Photo: Cherie, Owner of Shrimpton Couture wearing a similar caftan
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
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This is a beautiful caftan dress by Oscar de la Renta that I love. It is from the Spring 1982 season and these caftans were very well documented with variations of them photoed on Kim Alexis and Iman that season. I have also included an example held at the Kent Museum and others that were a part of the recent "Being Oscar de la Renta" Exhibition. It is a classic and easy piece to wear that still feels fresh and fabulous.
In the late seventies and early eighties caftan fever was at an all time high and many of the top designers of the day designed options for their clients who wanted the look but also still want to wear their favourite brand name. This is one of the prettiest that I have seen with its bright floral print. Oscar was a master at both cut and prints and this has both. It is perfect to be worn as a chic day-to-evening maxi dress. I love everything about the lines of this piece. It is made out of a feather light silk. Think fine silk scarf as far as the weight goes. The means that it floats and flows around you when you move or the slightest breeze hits it. It is very simple in cut. You slip it on and it has a V neckline at the front. There are openings at each side for your arms to slip through and it is seamed at the outer sides so that it should fit a wide range of sizes. I love the bright and vivid flower print that is scattered over its surface. For contrast he used a bright red to edge the neck, the arm opening and the hem. When you are standing still it settles perfectly about you but when you move you really get the sense of the amount of fabric that is there. A really fabulous and wearable caftan. Excellent condition with one minor note below
Unlined and slips on to wear. It weighs only a few ounces. 100% silk. The caftan cut should allow it to fit a full range of sizes. I see two very minor darkening spots on the back. You would only see them if it is laying flat because of the amount of fabric.
Bust - hips: open. The width across from seam to seam is 38"
Length: it falls to about 56-58" at the sides once on
Modern Sizing Equivalent: OSFA
Item# DD3897
Reference Photos: (1) Oscar de la Renta, Vogue, May 1982. Model Kim Alexis / (2) Spring 1982 Oscar de la Renta Runway. Model: Iman. / (4) Oscar de la Renta Caftan 1982 from the Kent State Museum Collection. / (5) "Being Oscar de la Renta" Exhibition at Centro Leon, Santiago de los Caballeros in the Dominican Republic.
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
adele simpson
Prettiest 1970s Adele Simpson Deep Blue Chiffon Dress w Green Ruffle Front Halter Dress
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I love Adele Simpson's work. She favored quality and longevity over trends and her pieces were well made ready-to-wear at prices that were attainable for the modern woman. She launched her label in 1949 and remained at its helm until the early 1980s. She was a wonderful designer and I love her work.
This Adele Simpson dress is from the late 1970s, early 1980s and it is a stunner. The dress is made from two layers of a royal blue chiffon that has a third layer in a bright green worked into it at the front. This pretty panel of contrasting green runs down the full front of the dress to create a gorgeous ruffled effect. Above the ruffle the bust gathered towards the centre. The top is set on a curve and from there two tiny straps in the same chiffon that curve up and circle around the neck. This simple little touch gives it a beautiful soft and sexy feel. I also love that you could choose to tuck those straps in and wear it as a strapless dress to get a slightly different feel and to be able to work with different accessories. Under the bust is that gorgeous panel that is gathered towards the centre to fall in a scarf-like effect right to the hem. That unexpected pop of green is fabulous and it also creates a lovely movement when you move. Excellent condition.
The inside synthetic chiffon layer acts as the lining with the other two layers float over that as described above. The bodice is lightly boned through the sides and has additional layers built in so you can go bare underneath. It closes with a back metal zipper. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.
Bust: 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Seam right under bust: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Natural Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 12" from neck to middle seam and the cups are approx 6" high
Skirt: 47" from middle seam under bust to longest point of the hem
Modern Sizing equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD3898
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival
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I love Josefa caftans and have covered the history of the label a couple of times in my instagram (go peek one day). They are like owning a piece of wearable art. Every single one of them was entirely hand made, detailed and embroidered. They were made in Mexico in the late sixties to early seventies and were the epitome of Bohemian chic in their day. They are easy to wear pieces that can go from the beach, to exploring far off markets, to being worn as an evening piece depending on how you style them. This one with its pretty blue tones is a beauty.
This is a gorgeous example of her work. The cotton is still crisp and fresh feeling and it would have been hand dyed to the beautiful blue colours and then screened with the striped pattern. It has embroidery work down the front and back. More embroidery is worked across the top of the shoulders and onto each sleeve. Then all of the lines are accented with hand applied blue ribbon. The sleeves are incredible. Each is cut straight and wide and I love the detailing and pattern that runs over each. There are even ribbons that have been left to hang down on each side on the sleeves. I left them hanging down for these shots but you could also tie them into pretty little bows if you wished. The neckline is squared off at the front and the back. From there the dress falls to the floor and widens out as it goes. It is cut to skim loosely over the bodice and then it flares out dramatically as it reaches the hem. It even has pockets hidden along each seam at the hips. It is also a good long length which is sometimes hard to find with vintage from this time period. It is easy to wear and a great statement piece. Excellent condition
Unlined and slips over the head to wear. The fabric has natural variations in it. It looks to have been worn very little if at all. The colour in person has a slighter more natural, raw feel to it then how it photoed. It's even better in person I think. The loose cut should allow it to fit a range of sizes. There is a small mark on the ribbon on one sleeve. Please see the photo after the label shot
Sleeves: approx 17"
Shoulders: no defined seams
Bust: 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 27" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 59" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG
Item# DD3899
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
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In 1951, 27 year old James Galanos launched his first label called Galanos Originals. By 1954 he had won a Coty award and the Neiman Marcus award. By 1958 he was producing clothing that could range in price from $200 to $3000, an astronomical price for ready-to-wear for that time period. That said, his ready-to-wear line was made to almost true couture standards and pieces were made with a level of craftsmanship that was on par with the French couturiers. Galanos was a master cutter and draper and he used many couture techniques in the construction of his work. Grace Kelly was an early fan and he was truly one of the great American designers. His work is held in all of the major museums around the world and he is one of my personal favourite designers. This two piece dress set is just beyond beautiful.
The original owner was friends with James Galanos and the family records indicated that this was made for her by him so it may have never had a label. It is made up of two pieces that are meant to be layered over each other and that is what makes it just opaque enough to wear. Both pieces are so incredibly made that you could easily wear them on their own and either work with the touch of transparency both have or wear something underneath either. This really makes then that much more versatile and extends their wear as a part of your wardrobe. The inner dress is a little weightless slip dress that is made out of a black silk net that has a gold thread embroidered over its surface in little tiny little gold circles. It is suspended from the shoulders by tiny straps and then skims over the body. The bottom part of the hem is finished in a black lace with black cording hand sewn onto it to follow the pattern in the lace. When you layer this under the top dress this bottom part peeks out from under the skirt for an interesting layered effect. The dress that goes over that is even better. It is cut into a little short skater dress silhouette. The collar is high and the sleeves are long. It skims over the bust and nips in at the waist but has no seam cutting across to break the eye. The skirt flares out from there and is very light and swingy. It is very short but the other inner dress layered underneath keeps it from being scandalous. The fabric is a black cut work lace that again has that gorgeous gold worked onto it to add a metallic feel. Under the hem is a panel of gold lace that adds yet another layer. It is just stunning and even better person. The fabric has so much texture and the metallic bits pick up the light perfectly. It is made to demi-couture standards and a wonderful piece. I love it. Excellent conditon
The inner dress serves as the lining. Both pieces have a touch of transparency to them. The outer dress closes with a back zipper and a series of snaps to closes the fabric that sits over and hides the zipper. Each sleeve has a zipper at the wrist. The inner dress zips to close at the back. It looks to have been worn very little if at all.
Outer dress
Sleeves: 23"
Shoulders: no defined seams
Bust: 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 30" from neck to hem
Collar: 14" around
Inner dress
Bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 34" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-XS
Item# DD3889
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
fred perlberg
Late 1960s Fred Perlberg by Roger Millet Pink Silk Chiffon Dress w Silver Beaded Bodice
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Fred Perlberg is an interesting designer. He started his label in 1920 at the grand old age of 19 and continued as the designer until 1968 when he retired. After he retired Roger Millet took over as the designer and he stayed with the label until the late seventies. This dress is most likely from the earlier part of the Millet era, dating to the late 1960s or early 1970s. The Perlberg company dresses were well made in done in small production runs so that they could focus on good quality pieces.
This dress is a great representation of what the label did so well. It made dresses to dance in and this would be fabulous to do just that in. This one is gorgeous with its bright pink silk chiffon skirt that is made up of many yards of the fabric. There are three layers in total in the skirt. The top two layers are the pink silk chiffon and then there is a skirt made out of pink lining under those. When you move the silk will twirl around you beautifully. The skirt is set high and angles up to attach just under the bust line. The bodice itself is gorgeous and is completely covered with a silver lace that then has looped silver beads, silver sequins and prong set rhinestones set onto it for a lovely bit of glamour and contrast to the pink. The neckline does quite low and is cut wide across the front. The straps extend out from the bodice and curves over your shoulder and down the back. At the back it finishes in a curved low scoop to leave a bare expanse of skin above. It is a lovely piece and the pink is even better in person and on an actual body. Excellent condition.
Fully lined through the skirt and main part of the bodice in a pink silk. The upper bodice and straps are lined in a nude netting. The dress closes with a back painted metal and a hook above that. The pink of the skirt is sifter in person then how it photoed here.
Bust: 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Under Bust: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner natural waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner hips: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 12" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 42" from waist to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-XS
Item# DD3892
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.